Opdualag

Indicated For

NSCLC, melanoma

About This Medication

# BMS Patient Assistance Foundation Patient Guide: How to Get Opdualag at Low or No Cost Opdualag (nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw) is a prescription immunotherapy combination used to treat certain types of advanced melanoma in adults. The **BMS Patient Assistance Foundation** provides this medication **free of charge** to eligible uninsured or underinsured U.S. residents who meet income guidelines, helping patients access vital cancer treatment without financial burden. ## About Opdualag **Opdualag** is an intravenous infusion medication approved for unresectable or metastatic melanoma. It combines two immune checkpoint inhibitors—**nivolumab** and **relatlimab-rmbw**—that work together to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Administered every 4 weeks by a healthcare professional, it targets LAG-3 and PD-1 proteins on T-cells to enhance anti-tumor activity. Common side effects include fatigue, rash, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain; serious immune-related reactions like colitis or pneumonitis can occur, so close monitoring is essential. Always discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. ## Who Qualifies? The program is for **U.S. residents** (including Puerto Rico) **18 years or older** who are **uninsured or underinsured** and cannot afford their medication. You must reside in the U.S., have a valid prescription, and meet **income eligibility** based on **400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. No insurance coverage is required, but government-insured patients like those on Medicare or Medicaid may have restrictions—see insurance section below. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility is household-size based at **400% FPL**. Here's a clear table of **2026 annual income thresholds** (adjusts yearly; confirm current FPL at application): | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | |----------------|-----------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $40,000 | | 2 (Couple) | $54,000 | | 3 | $68,000 | | 4 | $82,000 | *Add ~$14,000 per additional family member.* Exceeding these limits disqualifies you. Provide **proof of income** (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs, W-2s) for all household members. Initialing a self-attestation speeds processing without credit checks. ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured**: Fully qualify if income-eligible. - **Underinsured**: Qualify if insurance doesn't cover Opdualag fully or cost-sharing is unaffordable. - **Commercially insured**: May use the separate **BMS Access Support Oncology Co-Pay Program** instead, covering co-pays up to **$25,000 per medication/year** (patients pay first $25/dose). Not for government insurance. - **Medicare/Medicaid/TRICARE**: Generally ineligible for free meds via BMSPAF co-pay support; explore independent foundations via BMS Access Support. Submit insurance cards (front/back); note if no prior authorization (PA) is needed. ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get a Prescription**: Ask your doctor for a new Opdualag prescription specifying BMSPAF. 2. **Gather Documents**: - Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, etc.). - Proof of residency (utility bill, lease). - Prescription. - Insurance info (cards or 'no insurance' statement). 3. **Choose Application Method** (multiple options): - **Phone**: Call **1-800-861-0048** (BMS Access Support, Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM ET) for guidance/enrollment. - **Online/Fax**: Doctor completes BMS Access Support Enrollment Form; fax to number on form or use provider portal. Patient e-signs via portal. - Visit **bmspaf.org** for details; new prescription required for referral. 4. **Doctor Submits**: Healthcare provider signs/completes form with patient info. 5. **Sign & Submit**: Patient/personal rep signs; include Power of Attorney if applicable. 6. **Wait for Approval**: 2-4 weeks typical processing. ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: **2-4 weeks** after complete submission. - **Delivery**: Medication ships free in **90-day supplies** to your **home or doctor's office**. - **Duration**: Up to **12 months** from approval; **reauthorization required annually** (or Jan for Medicare). Reapply before expiration. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Co-Pay Program**: For commercial insurance—up to $25,000 assistance. - **Benefits Investigation**: BMS helps check coverage/PA/appeals (call 1-800-861-0048). - **Independent Foundations**: BMS connects you (no guarantees). - **Other Resources**: State programs, NeedyMeds.org, or PAN Foundation. - **No biosimilars** available for Opdualag currently. ## Refill and Reauthorization Refills automatic for approved period; doctor resubmits for reauthorization yearly. Track expiration date. ## Important Disclaimer This guide summarizes BMSPAF for Opdualag based on available info as of 2026. Programs change; **confirm eligibility/details directly** with BMS at 1-800-861-0048 or bmspaf.org. Not medical/financial advice. Consult your doctor for treatment suitability. BMS not liable for application outcomes. Income/FPL updates annually—verify current guidelines. Free meds don't cover non-med costs.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026